Latest News in Innovative Alcohol and Other Drug Newborn Testing

New to Umbilical Cord Tissue Testing — July 28, 2025

Ketamine in Umbilical Cord Tissue 

We are excited to announce the addition of ketamine to our umbilical cord tissue (UCT) testing on July 28, 2025. 

Ketamine is legally used as a general anesthetic, treatment for depression, and pain management. It is also used recreationally for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects. Testing umbilical cord tissue identifies in-utero exposure during pregnancy. Ketamine will be available in a 20-panel or as an add-on.

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New to Umbilical Cord Tissue Testing — March 10, 2025

What is Medetomidine? 

Medetomidine is a potent animal tranquilizer that has been found in the illicit drug market as an adulterant, often found with fentanyl and xylazine.  It is in the same drug class as xylazine and causes similar side effects, including bradycardia, hypotension, and CNS depression. 

What is Tianeptine? 

Tianeptine is an atypical tricyclic antidepressant mainly used for the treatment of major depressive disorder in other countries. In the United States, it has recently emerged on the illicit drug market and is used for its euphoric effects, which are similar to opioids. Adverse health outcomes include respiratory depression, sedation, and even death. 

What is Phenibut? 

Phenibut is a psychotropic, unregulated antianxiety drug similar in structure to gabapentin. It is available online as a dietary supplement and is used to relieve tension, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal,and insomnia. Therapeutic effects remain questionable, and there is evidence of side effects, including intoxication, withdrawal, and addiction. 

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New to Umbilical Cord Tissue Testing — November 4, 2024

What are SSRIs?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs that can be used to treat depression, anxiety, or other psychological disorders, but these medications can have significant effects on newborns:

 

• 30% of SSRI-exposed infants experience neonatal adaptation syndrome. (Levinson-Castiel R, Merlob P, Linder N, Sirota L, Klinger G. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome After In Utero Exposure to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Term Infants. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2006;160(2):173–176. doi:10.1001/archpedi.160.2.173)
• Symptoms may include jitteriness, poor feeding, and respiratory distress.  (Levinson-Castiel R, Merlob P, Linder N, Sirota L, Klinger G. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome After In Utero Exposure to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Term Infants. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2006;160(2):173–176. doi:10.1001/archpedi.160.2.173)
• SSRI exposure is associated with earlier onset of emotional disorders in childhood. (Bliddal, M., Wesselhoeft, R., Strandberg-Larsen, K. et al. Prenatal antidepressant exposure and emotional disorders until age 22: a danish register study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 17, 73 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-023-00624-9)

Our state-of-the-art SSRI testing in umbilical cord tissue identifies in-utero exposure to help your hospital provide appropriate attention in the crucial first days of life.

 

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New to Umbilical Cord Tissue Testing — September 1, 2024

What is Xylazine?

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